Hunter of the Evernight -
Chapter 198: Illusory city in the sky
Chapter 198: Illusory city in the sky
With everything set for the grand ritual to commence, Nadia and Arwen found themselves faced with a certain dilemma.
"Our pneuma can’t carry out the ritual... Even if we combine our strengths." Nadia said matter-of-factly while staring at the large magic circle.
Arwen pursed her lips. "I agree."
"... What do we do?... If we don’t start, everything Alex planned goes down the drain."
Arwen stayed silent for a moment as she pondered something.
Glancing at her, Nadia quickly noticed the complicated expression she held.
"Is something wrong?" She inquired, slightly worried about her newly found sister.
Arwen met her gaze before answering. "I have the means to overcome the problem but..."
"But?"
"If... by some stroke of luck, we survive this... I’d never be able to return to a normal life... well not like I’ve had one to begin with but still..."
"... You can’t mean..."
"It’s the only way."
"They would surely come for you."
"That’s what I’m saying..." Arwen struggled internally for a moment before chuckling softly. "Funny as how I was so sure about what to do today last night and was okay with it but now... It’s quite terrifying just thinking about it."
"Arwen..."
"Don’t worry, let’s begin," Arwen said with a determined expression, having dealt with the reservations she held.
Nadia tried to speak but Arwen directly ignored her as she closed her eyes and began to speak using deviltongue.
Each word she spoke elicited a response from the aether, causing ripples to occur in the all-encompassing waves.
Nadia watched on in silence, struggling internally if leaving Arwen was the right choice.
Unfortunately, she didn’t get to ponder for long as Arwen soon stopped talking and at the same time, the ripples in the aether dissipated.
"You..."
"It is done," Arwen remarked.
At the same time, her eyes underwent a qualitative change, switching from dark irises to resemble those of an avian, with a sickly green-red hue.
"..." Nadia took a deep breath as she stepped forward. "I will lead the ritual."
"And I will provide the aether required."
"Let’s begin."
Simultaneously, both women began to communicate in devil-tongue causing the magic circle drawn on the floor to light up in a dark red glow.
Unable to withstand the great spell, the building they were in began to tremble to its foundations with dust pouring down from the ceiling.
Of course, this did nothing to stop the two ladies as their voices grew even louder, drawing upon the elements to create a crescendo that repelled the Will of the World, albeit briefly.
At that moment, a spectacle appeared in the sky just above the precinct.
An illusory city materialized in the sky, shrouded by gray fog.
Chimes of a bell could be heard from its gates before it slowly opened, revealing a glorious sight seemingly teeming with life.
At that moment, the fog from within the city began to pour out, intruding into Krobridge which lay below.
Strangely enough, despite the glorious sight, no one seemed to take notice of it.
Not the rampaging vampires, the fearful humans, or even the proud protectors.
None were privy to the fact that above them, a miracle was taking place.
***
The search didn’t take long before they reached their intended destination.
It was at the center of Kro Institute where the academic building was located, specifically, the building reserved for the Vice Chancellor and his staff.
Currently standing before a stairwell that led to a dark passageway below, both Alex and Elizabeth showed no signs of making a move just yet.
The reason was simple... "They are waiting for us," Alex said.
Elizabeth nodded. "The bloodlust is much thicker than the last time as well which means..."
"She’s even stronger now." Clicking his tongue, Alex prepared himself for what he knew would be the toughest fight of his life.
Unlike his battle with Basar, his opponent was clear-headed and was a seasoned warmonger who led her people to victories during the Dark Ages.
What’s more, she was a direct counter to his biggest strength.
A most annoying enemy to face.
Pursing his lips, Alex glanced at Elizabeth. "Can you take her?"
"... I can’t be sure until we see each other again," Elizabeth replied before adding. "And even then..."
"I understand." Alex sighed.
Gripping his cane tightly, he took the first step forward before making his way down with Elizabeth following closely behind.
The journey through the dark passageway was quite unnerving, what with the consistent bloodlust being emitted from somewhere at the end of it.
It didn’t take long before they finally found themselves in an underground tunnel lit up by fiery torches.
At the end of the tunnel was a stone door and guarding the door were two Vampires donning crimson armor and wielding spears.
Alex stared at the two before slowly making his way forward.
Once he got close to the door, he stopped and glanced at one of the knights.
"Won’t you open the door?" He calmly asked.
The knight remained silent for a moment before turning to meet his gaze. "If you enter, you will die."
"Oh?... You sound like you might just be worried about me."
"Despite your disgraceful acts, you are still the one chosen by the Night. This is my last act of respect towards the heir of the Night."
"... Is that so?"
"You can leave now and run away. Don’t worry, the ritual only requires the hearts of scared humans. You won’t be targeted."
"And then after that?"
"... You can discuss it with the Monarch."
Alex chuckled. "Open the door, gentlemen. I appreciate your kindness but if I do as you say, then my death would be even more pathetic than I’ve made it out to be."
"Fool." Shaking his head in utter disdain at the foolishness shown by the so-called Dark Lord, the knight placed his hand on the door and pushed it back revealing one-half of an octagonal hall.
His accomplice did the same, allowing Alex and by extension, Elizabeth to see the situation within.
"You took your time getting here," Charlotte remarked as she sat in a lotus position at the center of the stone table placed in the middle of the hall.
Alex revealed a casual smile as he stepped into the octagonal hall with Elizabeth.
Taking a slight bow, he intoned. "Forgive our tardiness, we were caught up in an unfortunate situation."
"Is that so?" Charlotte slowly rose to her feet while materializing a blood spear. "Tell me something."
"Hmm?"
"What makes you so bold as to come here despite everything?"
"I have no choice."
"... So you walk right into a trap?"
"What’s the worst that could happen?"
Charlotte sneered. "You could die."
Bam
The doors behind Alex closed and the hall was immediately plunged into darkness as the fiery torches serving as a source of light were extinguished.
At the same time, the sound of swift movement could be heard before finally, several crimson eyes were reflected in the darkness, each one glaring hatefully at Alex and Elizabeth.
Elizabeth slowly pulled out her switchblades and readied herself for battle.
Still standing upright, Alex inquired. "Can you take her?"
"I don’t think she’d give me the chance to face her."
"... That would seem to be the case," Alex muttered in vague annoyance.
Letting out a sigh, he tried to snap but at that moment, he saw his life flash before his eyes after which a crisp clang resounded across the hall.
"... Shit."
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